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  Sudoku Solver for Mobile Devices
We're going to build a Sudoku Solver App for the iPhone, iTouch and iPad - and eventually for Android and other cell devices. This will be the discussion page for that project and we want your comments and wish lists! Yay!

Many people have asked for an offline or phone version of the solvers for quite a number of years. Various work commitments and technical issues have got in the way, but now it's going to happen. The solvers are regularly updated as new ideas are incorporated and old problems fixed. This has to be the case with the App version as well, and I hope to make regular updates as time goes on.

Version 1

In the first release I intend to get the following features in. Other features will be included in Version 2, see below
  • Version 1 will contain the Sudoku 9x9 Solver
  • All the strategy documentation on this site and in the Logic of Sudoku book will be in the App
  • There will be an OCR ability to read printed Sudoku puzzles and load them into the solver App. This is contingent on finding a technical solution for this feature and is the only "iffy" feature for this version.
  • There will be a feed feature to download and play with the Daily Sudoku Puzzle and perhaps other puzzles Syndicated Puzzles feeds to various newspaper and web site clients.
  • Ability for the user to disable/enable algorithms AND re-order them (within their difficulty groups)
  • Ability to save many puzzles to storage for retrieval, naming and dating puzzles
  • Like the current solver, cells will be editable or numbers highlighted. I also want the ability to selectively turn on and off different candidate numbers.
  • Any strategies requiring graphical overlays such as chains will be supported
  • Solution Count
  • Grader
Screen Shot 1
Screen Shot 1
25 Dec 2011 - The screen shot here shows we've made progress with the overall app and got some of the complex strategies. We are still working on the available space and buttons etc. The 'i' button will link to the strategy being used. The "plus" button will lead to other options such as grading, solution count and other menu items. We'll probably make the Back button smaller and get anotehr button in. The white strategy results pain overlaps the buttons if pressed and can scroll. More screen shots when we have something sexy to show.

Version 2

  • Solvers for other puzzles will be added in this order: Killer Sudoku, Sudoku X, Jigsaw Sudoku, Colour Sudoku
  • Various Sizes would be nice: 6x6 and 8x8
  • Anything else suggested by feedback and comments here
  • Android definitely - others to follow


If you want to add something to this list or make a point about how the solver should work, please let me know, either write to me at andrew@str8ts.com, or use the Feedback or leave a comment or Facebook comment here on this page.

Beta testers wanted!

We will drop screen shots of the app under development and write updates on this page as we progress

All ideas welcome

best regards

Andrew Stuart




 
Comments

Monday 20-Feb-2012

... by: Frederic alias John

Hi,
please, put more screen shot :) we can't wait anymore...
Looking forward playing your sudoku solver on iPhone.
Regards

Monday 20-Feb-2012

... by: Marcel

The OCR feature sounds cool. You might want to contact the guy who wrote 'AR sudoku solver', he already tackled the problem.

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.enigon.sudokusolver&hl=en

Wednesday 15-Feb-2012

... by: Chris

I would be happy with a version for Windows Phone !

Tuesday 14-Feb-2012

... by: p bolsnd

Please put me on your email list. I love the web site. Cant wait on the app!

Wednesday 8-Feb-2012

... by: Don

I would like to beta test the Android version. I have several sudoku apps but none of them really do the job.

Monday 6-Feb-2012

... by: RoC1909

As Arthur mentioned in his post, I would love to see a "hint type of system" similar to how it is in the "Enjoy Sudoku" app. If the player is stuck, the app will give a hint like "Look for a fish" or "look for a chain." Either way, this is shaping up to be an amazing app and I can hardly wait for the Android version.

Saturday 4-Feb-2012

... by: Louie

Sign me up. I use the browser version all the time!

Wednesday 25-Jan-2012

... by: Wolfie

Great idea to bring it to mobile! I would love to test it out, or maybe even develop it for Android!

Thursday 19-Jan-2012

... by: Walt

Would like to see a version that will work on the NOOK
I picked up a NOOK to use when traveling so I don't have to drag my laptop and would enjoy having my sudoku solver with me.
Thanks

Sunday 8-Jan-2012

... by: Cyndie

Would love to beta test the mobile version--how do I sign up?

Sunday 8-Jan-2012

... by: Raden Agung

I really really apreciate this sudoku solver.very needs this software soon.from your web i've got solve sudoku on 1112 game eps.2 :-)

Monday 26-Dec-2011

... by: John

Hi Andrew,
What a pleasure to see at last a first picture of your sudoku solver.It seems to be good. I'm looking forward to test it.
Regards

Thursday 22-Dec-2011

... by: Arthur

Love to become a beta tester, or heck even help with the development.

Something I'd love to see is, instead of "Take a step", add a "Give me a hint" option. The hint would do the "take a step" functions, but instead of updating the grid, it would display a message like "Look for an XYZ-wing".

Sunday 11-Dec-2011

... by: Kjmiles

I have been a huge fan of this solver for a few years. The way the steps are constructed for checking are excellent and educational for process. I am also excited to see an iPad version as it is tedious to enter numbers. As a "non-expert" I'd love to get more of a beginners explanation of some of the more advanced solving techniques. Specifically, how to spot when to use these techniques and maybe a "here's one for you to try" example once one has a good idea of how to use each one.

Friday 9-Dec-2011

... by: Todd

I would love to beta test your Sudoku solver for android.

Monday 21-Nov-2011

... by: KV Rajah

If u can do a solver for Android like http://www.angusj.com/sudoku/, please inform. The only drawback I find in https://sourceforge.net/projects/sudokuopensourc/ is that it does not allow you to create a sudoku from print like Simple Sudoku.

Thursday 3-Nov-2011

... by: Pieter, Newtown, Australia

Re: Anthony Shortland's suggestion for the "dot" method - Wow! Someone else who uses dots - I thought I was the only one! Invaluable in those printed puzzles in the newspaper that don't have enough space to write the candidate numbers - so I imagine similarly useful on small phone screens.

Andrew - maybe each cell could actually be programmed with 9 sub-cells. Select the cell then hit a number to put a number in that cell. Select a cell, then a sub-cell to put a candidate in. May need a pen type manual pointing device for user accuracy, or sharp fingernails! ;-)


Tuesday 1-Nov-2011

... by: Georg Biburger

I am already a big fan of your webpage - I can´t wait to see it on my iphone
thank you

Sunday 30-Oct-2011

... by: John

Hi Andrew.
I discovered your solver for a long time now and the idea to see this solver on iPhone, well, what a very good thing. I played a lot of sudoku for mobile phone but none of them had the same functionnalities.
I saw that you were looking for beta tester and I would be very proud to be one of them.
Best regard.

Tuesday 25-Oct-2011

... by: RoC1909

This is the first time I have viewed your site and I am highly impressed with your solvers. I wouldn't hesitate to pay a premium (15-20 bucks) for a mobile app (preferably Android) that has a similar functionality to what is on the site. I love how the "yes" and "no" show up on the "strategies." Amazing...!

Sunday 23-Oct-2011

... by: Mike

You are the BEST! Good luck

Thursday 20-Oct-2011

... by: Anthony Shortland

I'd like to suggest you include the "dot" method of marking candidates in each square as a cleaner way to present a partially solved puzzle.

i.e. simply place a dot in each of nine spots in each square to indicate the candidates.

Andrew Stuart writes:

I'll certainly put this idea on our wish list.

Thursday 20-Oct-2011

... by: Anthony Shortland

Glad to hear you're working on an iOS app. Would really like to be A beta tester!

Tuesday 11-Oct-2011

... by: TRUTH

Hi,
What a good news to create a solver on iPhone. There are few sudoku solvers really interesting on iPhone.
But !!!
What do Robert and Eric expect from you to tell you that they could pay $20 or more for this solver.
In my opinion, I think that's very ridiculous and scandalous. You never talk about money so why do they talk about money for you ???
Once again, ridiculous;
Have a nice day...

Andrew Stuart writes:

Hi. It won't be that much, don't worry! It will be in the first or second price band. :)

Tuesday 11-Oct-2011

... by: Robert Reily

Great plan. I've been hoping for a solver for my PC, but for my iphone would be even better. I also like the ideas of being able to highlight cells with a specific number or highlight cells with only pairs. Additionally using another highlight to mark links is good. The Sudoku program for the PC that does a good job is by sadman software. Nothing is has your suggested list of features for the iphone. I'd also pay $10 to 20 for the top tier feature set.

Saturday 24-Sep-2011

... by: Frederic

Hi Andrew.
Really happy to read this post. I don't know if you remember me but I've already wrote to you if you could make a java version for window of your solver and you answered me that you couldn't cause the only program you were using was your in-line program or so. And now I can see that you are working on iPhone version and I'm so happy. Thanks a lot and I really look forward to see your APP on the app store.
By the way, I think that the price below $5 will be a good idea. I don't know if Eric G. was serious but $20 was really too expensive.

Sorry for my poor English but I'm French so be indulgent ;-)

Monday 12-Sep-2011

... by: Eric G.

Hi Andrew,

Although, Enjoy Sudoku is giving you a run for its money, i certainly think there will be a market for the program you have suggested. Maybe i missed it but, if you can generate sudoku puzzles as well it would be great. I would suggest that the routing stuff you have on the internet showing strong and weak links be available and more importantly that we the user be able to draw our own links in a user friendly fashion. Furthermore, as at very high level us sudoku fans are pretty hardcore, don't be shy to charge a premium... I would have no problem paying $20 or even more for the program. You could perhaps have tiered amounts depending on the level of functionality. I am excited you will finally join the bandwagon and Iam highly confident you will regain your title of leader in the mobile world as well. i would be delighted to beta test if I can be of any help

Andrew Stuart writes:

Glad you like the idea and thanks for the ideas. It will probably be in the 2nd or third price band. Above 99c but below $5. Haven’t thought about that yet. I’ll add you to the list for beta testing, appreciated.

Drawing links – that would be a nice idea.

Generator slightly more difficult. Random and throw away, one at a time sort of thing?

Sunday 11-Sep-2011

... by: Chuck Watson

I was sitting here using your web page to help me with a sticky Sudoku puzzle and I said to myself 'gee, i wish this was an app for my smart phone'. I then noticed at the top of the page your note about creating the app. YAAAY!

I really look forward to using this app once you have created it for the Android. I think the features you have incorporated on your website will make this the premier app for playing (and learning to play) Sudoku.

Every other Sudoku app I have tried has made me think 'gee, i wish this app had features like the Sudokuwiki.org site.' Now I wont have to think that anymore.

Thanks for making this app! I look forward to it.

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Article created on 9-September-2011. Views: 2722
This page was last modified on 25-December-2011, at 10:10.
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Copyright Andrew Stuart @ Syndicated Puzzles Inc, 2011